A head-up display device used in augmented reality is provided. The head-up display device includes a set of reflectors, a first optical module and a reflector adjustment mechanism. The set of reflectors includes at least one moveable reflector. The first optical module is configured to project a first image to at least one moveable reflector and to further project the first image to a target position through the set of reflectors. The reflector adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the position of at least one moveable reflector to change the height of the target position.
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1. A head-up display device used in augmented reality which directs images to a windscreen, the head-up display device comprising: a set of reflectors, comprising a first reflector and a second reflector disposed under the windscreen, wherein the first reflector and the second reflector are disposed oppositely, the first reflector is moveable, and the second reflector is not moveable; a first optical module configured to project a first image to the first reflector, which further reflects the first image to the second reflector and the windscreen for projecting the first image to a first target position of the windscreen; a second optical module configured to project a second image to the second reflector and the windscreen for projecting the second image to a second target position of the windscreen, wherein the second image is not projecting to the first reflector; and a reflector adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the first reflector to change a height of the first target position; wherein the first target position is higher than the second target position.
This invention relates to a head-up display (HUD) system for augmented reality applications, particularly for vehicles, where images are projected onto a windscreen. The system addresses the challenge of displaying multiple images at different vertical positions on the windscreen without requiring complex or bulky optical components. The HUD device includes a set of reflectors positioned beneath the windscreen, consisting of a movable first reflector and a fixed second reflector arranged opposite each other. A first optical module projects an image onto the movable reflector, which then directs the image to the fixed reflector and finally to the windscreen, positioning the image at a higher target location. A second optical module projects a separate image directly to the fixed reflector and windscreen, placing it at a lower target position. An adjustment mechanism alters the angle of the movable reflector to change the vertical position of the higher image. This design allows for dynamic adjustment of image placement while maintaining a compact and efficient optical path. The system ensures that the higher image remains above the lower one, optimizing visibility and reducing driver distraction.
2. The head-up display device according to claim 1 , wherein the second image has a resolution higher than a resolution of the first image.
A head-up display (HUD) system projects information onto a transparent surface, such as a vehicle windshield, allowing drivers to view data without diverting their gaze from the road. A common challenge in HUD systems is balancing image clarity and computational efficiency. Lower-resolution images reduce processing demands but may lack detail, while higher-resolution images improve visibility but require more processing power. This invention addresses this issue by using a dual-image approach. The system generates a first image with a lower resolution, which is easier to process and display quickly. Simultaneously, it generates a second image with a higher resolution, which provides sharper details for critical information. The higher-resolution image is overlaid on the lower-resolution image, enhancing clarity where needed while maintaining overall system efficiency. This method ensures that important visual elements, such as navigation cues or vehicle status indicators, are displayed with sufficient detail, while less critical information remains in a lower-resolution format to reduce computational load. The system dynamically adjusts the resolution based on the type of content being displayed, optimizing both performance and user experience. This approach is particularly useful in automotive applications where real-time processing and minimal latency are essential.
3. The head-up display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first image has a magnification rate greater than a magnification rate of the second image.
A head-up display (HUD) device projects images onto a transparent surface, such as a vehicle windshield, allowing a user to view digital information overlaid on the real-world scene. A common challenge in HUD systems is ensuring that the displayed information is clearly visible and properly scaled for the user's viewing distance. This invention addresses this issue by using two distinct images with different magnification rates to enhance visibility and usability. The HUD device includes a projection system that generates a first image and a second image. The first image is magnified at a higher rate than the second image, meaning it appears larger and more prominent when viewed by the user. This higher magnification ensures that critical information, such as navigation directions or speed, is easily readable at a glance. The second image, with a lower magnification rate, may contain supplementary information that does not require the same level of prominence. By adjusting the magnification rates of the two images, the system optimizes the display for both primary and secondary information, improving user experience and reducing visual clutter. The projection system may use optical elements, such as lenses or mirrors, to achieve the desired magnification differences between the two images. This approach ensures that the HUD provides clear, contextually relevant information without overwhelming the user.
4. The head-up display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first reflector is moveable along a direction toward or backward to the windscreen.
A head-up display (HUD) system projects information onto a vehicle windscreen to provide drivers with critical data without requiring them to look away from the road. A key challenge in HUD design is ensuring the displayed image remains clear and properly aligned with the driver's line of sight, regardless of variations in driver position or windscreen curvature. This invention improves HUD systems by incorporating a movable first reflector that can adjust its position along a direction toward or away from the windscreen. The reflector is part of an optical system that directs light from a display module toward the windscreen, where it is reflected to create a virtual image visible to the driver. By allowing the reflector to move, the system can dynamically compensate for changes in driver position, windscreen curvature, or other environmental factors that might otherwise distort the displayed image. This adjustment ensures the virtual image remains sharp, properly positioned, and easily viewable under varying conditions. The movable reflector may be driven by an actuator or other mechanism to achieve precise positioning, enhancing the overall functionality and reliability of the HUD system. This solution addresses the need for adaptability in HUD designs to accommodate different vehicle configurations and driver preferences.
5. A head-up display device used in augmented reality which directs images to a windscreen, the head-up display device comprising: a set of reflectors, comprising a first reflector and a second reflector different from the windscreen, wherein the second reflector is adjacent to the windscreen, the first reflector and the second reflector are disposed oppositely, the first reflector is moveable, and the second reflector is not moveable; a first optical module configured to project a first image to the first reflector, which further reflects the first image to the second reflector and the windscreen in sequence for projecting the first image to a first target position of the windscreen; a second optical module configured to project a second image directly to the second reflector and the windscreen in sequence for projecting the second image to a second target position of the windscreen; and a reflector adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the first reflector to change a height of the first target position; wherein the first target position is higher than the second target position.
This invention relates to a head-up display (HUD) system for augmented reality applications, specifically designed to project images onto a vehicle windscreen. The system addresses the challenge of displaying multiple images at different vertical positions on the windscreen without requiring additional space or complex optical components. The HUD device includes a set of reflectors, consisting of a movable first reflector and a fixed second reflector positioned adjacent to the windscreen. The first reflector is positioned opposite the second reflector. A first optical module projects an image onto the first reflector, which then reflects the image sequentially to the second reflector and the windscreen, directing it to a higher target position. A second optical module projects a separate image directly to the second reflector and the windscreen, directing it to a lower target position. The system also includes a mechanism to adjust the position of the first reflector, allowing the height of the higher image to be dynamically changed. This configuration enables the display of multiple images at different vertical positions on the windscreen, improving visibility and user experience in augmented reality applications.
6. The head-up display device according to claim 5 , wherein the second image has a resolution higher than a resolution of the first image.
A head-up display (HUD) system projects information onto a transparent surface, such as a vehicle windshield, allowing drivers to view data without diverting their gaze from the road. Traditional HUDs often suffer from limited resolution, making it difficult to display detailed or complex information clearly. This invention addresses the problem by improving image quality in a multi-layer HUD system. The system includes a first image source that generates a primary image with a lower resolution, typically used for basic navigation or speed indicators. A second image source produces a secondary image with a higher resolution, which overlays or supplements the first image. The higher-resolution image may display finer details, such as text, symbols, or graphics, enhancing readability and clarity. The system may also include optical components, such as lenses or mirrors, to align and combine the images from both sources, ensuring proper focus and alignment on the display surface. This dual-resolution approach allows the HUD to balance performance and cost while providing clearer, more detailed visual information to the user.
7. The head-up display device according to claim 5 , wherein the first image has a magnification rate greater than a magnification rate of the second image.
A head-up display (HUD) device projects information onto a transparent surface, such as a vehicle windshield, allowing drivers to view data without diverting their gaze from the road. A common challenge in HUD systems is balancing the visibility and clarity of multiple displayed images, such as navigation cues and vehicle status indicators, while minimizing visual clutter and ensuring readability under varying lighting conditions. This invention addresses this problem by incorporating a dual-image projection system where a first image is displayed with a higher magnification rate than a second image. The first image, which may include critical information like navigation arrows or speed readings, is enlarged to enhance visibility and readability, while the second image, which may contain less critical data like fuel levels or system alerts, is displayed at a smaller magnification to reduce visual distraction. The system dynamically adjusts the magnification rates based on the importance and relevance of the displayed content, ensuring that essential information stands out while maintaining an uncluttered field of view. This approach improves driver situational awareness and reduces cognitive load by prioritizing key visual elements without overwhelming the driver with excessive detail. The invention is particularly useful in automotive applications where quick and accurate perception of critical data is essential for safe operation.
8. The head-up display device according to claim 5 , wherein the first reflector is moveable along a direction toward or backward to the windscreen.
A head-up display (HUD) system projects information onto a vehicle windscreen to provide drivers with critical data without requiring them to look away from the road. A common challenge in HUD design is ensuring the displayed image remains clear and properly aligned with the driver's line of sight, regardless of variations in driver position or windscreen curvature. This invention addresses this issue by incorporating a movable first reflector within the HUD system. The reflector can adjust its position along a direction toward or away from the windscreen, allowing precise alignment of the projected image. This adjustment compensates for differences in driver seating position, windscreen curvature, or other environmental factors that could otherwise distort the display. The system may also include additional reflectors or optical components to further refine image quality and positioning. By dynamically adjusting the reflector's position, the HUD maintains optimal visibility and clarity, enhancing driver safety and usability. This solution is particularly useful in vehicles where driver positioning varies significantly or where windscreen curvature affects image projection. The invention improves upon existing HUD systems by providing a more adaptable and accurate display mechanism.
9. The head-up display device according to claim 5 , wherein the second image is not projecting to the first reflector.
A head-up display (HUD) system projects information onto a transparent surface, such as a vehicle windshield, allowing drivers to view data without diverting their gaze. Traditional HUDs use reflectors to direct images from a display unit toward the driver's line of sight. However, these systems often suffer from limited field of view, image distortion, or visibility issues under varying lighting conditions. This invention improves upon existing HUD designs by incorporating a second image projection path that avoids reflecting off a primary reflector used for the first image. The system includes a display unit that generates at least two images, a first reflector that directs the first image toward the transparent surface, and a second projection path that bypasses the first reflector entirely. This configuration allows for greater flexibility in image positioning, reduced optical distortion, and improved visibility under different environmental conditions. The second image may be projected directly or through an alternative optical path, ensuring it does not interfere with the first reflector's function. This dual-path approach enhances the HUD's adaptability, enabling clearer and more dynamic information presentation for the user. The invention is particularly useful in automotive applications where minimizing driver distraction is critical.
10. The head-up display device according to claim 5 , wherein the second reflector is single.
A head-up display (HUD) system projects information onto a transparent surface, such as a vehicle windshield, allowing drivers to view data without diverting their gaze. A key challenge in HUD design is ensuring clear, distortion-free image projection while minimizing system complexity and size. Traditional HUDs use multiple reflectors to direct the display image toward the viewer, but this increases cost, weight, and alignment complexity. This invention improves HUD design by using a single second reflector to redirect the projected image toward the viewer. The second reflector is positioned to receive the image from an intermediate reflector and direct it to the transparent surface, such as a windshield, where it is visible to the user. By using only one second reflector, the system reduces the number of optical components, simplifying alignment and reducing manufacturing costs. The single reflector design also minimizes optical distortion, ensuring a clearer image. The reflector may be a flat or curved surface, depending on the specific optical requirements of the HUD. This approach is particularly useful in automotive applications where space and weight constraints are critical. The invention enhances HUD performance while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
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July 23, 2020
February 15, 2022
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